This short paper is a presentation I recently put together that has some merit regarding ones outlook on law of all types.

“RESPECTING THE LAW”

Times are a changing these days. That is good in many ways as technology makes life easier and more enjoyable. It also creates new problems as our lives are more full each day with less time available to do the things we need to do. In order to do everything we constantly choose to circumvent existing laws that have been put in place for everyone’s safety as we go about our daily activities in a more complex society. Examples are the blatant disregard of the “Hands Free Cell Phone Use Law” while driving or disobeying speed limits, which are only two of many one can identify. These are safety laws that are in place to protect everyone. There is no respect for these laws and soon one develops a subconscious attitude of no respect for any law and then the people become a lawless society.

What is Respect for the Law?

Respect for the law includes complying with the existing letter of the law but goes beyond that requirement. Respecting the law is acting in an affirmative or positive way with deference, esteem and awe for the law and demonstrates value over and above the immediacy of the application of the law. It requires us to recognize and in turn manifest a sense of how our own conduct impacts on the totality of all conduct in society.

“Just because you can (get away with breaking a law) doesn’t mean you should”

To make a difference, we must model our individual behaviors in a positive respect for the law and in doing so, you elevate the discussion and behavior you want others to follow. We have to be willing to accept laws that may be inconvenient for us on a personal level because we see how the law can benefit us on a collective level. As a member of a free democracy we imply or agree that each of us has our role in both creating and respecting the law.

“If you don’t agree with a law, help change it; don’t disrespect it”

Law is not just for everyone else to respect. It demands that each of us, individually develop our life styles, which demonstrates that “Respecting the Law” is the morally correct way to live one's life. (Don’t Speed, Don’t drive and drink and hands free phone use are a few.)

In closing, I ask each of you here tonight to take a moment and reflect on how you, personally, can become an advocate of “Respecting the Law” as you interact with your family, friends and co-workers.

Just as we proselytize our spiritual beliefs to others we must in a similar way advance the idea of “Respecting the Law” in a grand effort to, in a small way, elevate the thinking of society in general. It is a small part we all can take in making the world a better place to live and raise a family. Many of you here tonight do this now and I thank you. Let us all help spread the word in an effort to improve our society.